Tag Archives: katherine forrest

[NEW YORK, NY] Today at 2pm at 500 Pearl St. in Manhattan Judge Katherine Forrest will hear arguments by plaintiffs and the government relative to an effort to block the government from using new “indefinite detention” powers.

The lawsuit, brought by journalist Chris Hedges, Professor Noam Chomsky, activist Daniel Ellsberg (leaker of the Pentagon Papers) and others argues that the government’s assertion of the right to detain civilians indefinitely and without charge or trial violates the Constitution. The provision in question was passed in late 2011 as part of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Judge Forrest —a recent Obama appointee— has concurred with the plaintiffs and earlier this year issued a temporary restraining order against the government’s use of the indefinite detention powers. Today she will hear arguments for and against issuing a permanent order. The hearing is expected to last 3-4 hours. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, and lead plaintiff Chris Hedges will speak to the press afterwards.

For more information, and to sign on as a supporter of the lawsuit, Internet users may visit www.StopNDAA.org

Civil liberties organizations Demand Progress and Revolution Truth have provided grassroots and monetary support for the lawsuit. According to Demand Progress executive director David Segal, “We are hopeful that Judge Forrest will make clear that the government’s assertion of indefinite detention powers is an obscene violation of basic tenets of our Constitution; she deserves the acclaim of all Americans for protecting our rights to speech, association, and due process by placing a rare check on executive power run amok.”